How to reduce overpowering shadows in images using Photoshop

Here’s a quick fix tutorial for lightening up shadows over your main subject

Strong shadows can ruin a good image, and mostly because they fall across the focal point. Here’s one way (among many others!) to reduce their overall impact.

Before/After

Step 1 – Duplicate layer

Not only do we need to keep a copy of the original layer, but we to apply a blend mode too. Drag the Background layer on to the Create New layer button to create a duplicate version.

Step 2 – Change Blend Mode

Set the duplicate layer’s blend mode to Screen. This will lighten up the whole image, reducing the strength of the shadows.

Step 3 – Add a layer mask

Add a mask to the duplicate layer and then press Crtl/Cmd+I to change it from a white mask to black.

Step 4 – Eraser tool

Select the Eraser tool and set your Foreground Color to Black. Paint over the shadows to remove the mask to reveal the lighter areas underneath. Keep brush Hardness to 0% and the closer you get to the edges of the subject, decrease the size of the brush tip.